FB: New England Small College Athletic Conference

[Ephmen]

I think that Nescacman knows after week one that Wesleyan should be ranked first and is strategically avoiding doing so until after they beat Tufts (which certainly does not warrant a number one ranking based on either last year's performance, this year's week one performance, or just how many key players they are down from last year) handily this week.

I think a ranking like 1. Wesleyan, 2. Trinity, 3. Williams, 4. Tufts, 5. Amherst, 6. Bowdoin, 7. Midd, 8. Colby, 9. Hamilton, 10. Bates is more reflective of where things likely stand right now.  Maybe a bit high on Williams and a bit low on Middlebury considering last year's records, but Midd faired very well in close games last season and Williams very poorly, which may have them a bit overrated/overlooked, respectively, coming into this season, as those things do tend to even out over time.  And not many teams who get flat demolished like Midd just did end up finishing in the top half of the league.   

One big reason for optimism about Wesleyan is like the other post-COVID league champions, they are simply loaded with seniors or grad students at virtually every key position, and most of those guys have been playing a lot of snaps for years at this point. Candido, Wilson, Eng, Abraham, Carbeau, Rowan, Donatio, Edwards, Boujoukos, nearly the entire O-line, and so on, those guys feel like they've around forever.  Similar to the Maimaron class at Williams or last year's Trinity team which was flat loaded with star grad students (in particular) and seniors. Just about the entire league is relying heavily on good senior classes in this last double-senior year, but Wesleyan seems to be, by a fair margin, the most reliant on stars in their last year of eligibility, which is historically a good recipe for success. One thing is for sure - next year will be the most unpredictable in NESCAC history, with so many teams losing heavy senior groups and a big turnover at the QB position (especially among the stars) for the league as a whole.   

was it 2021 when Middlebury came off a very strong year (albeit w/COVID in between) and high expectations, only to get crushed in their opener at Williams, leading to a very disappointing season?  Different teams now (and coaches?) but we'll see if that pattern repeats.

[NescacNewbie]

The bottom line is that Wesleyan should and needs to beat Tufts. If they do then yes they should be one of top 3. If Tufts wins sadly unless other teams screw up this will be a disappointing season for Wesleyan. They need to beat Tufts its a must win. If they win only 2 teams stand in their way Trinity , Williams.

This game won't be close. Tufts had a hard time with Bowdoin, and their offense is Run Robbie Run, then short passes when you adapt. (Pretty anemic and he won't survive a long season with his amount of keeper runs off-tackle). Tufts didn't have a defensive adjustment to them, and Wesleyan is loaded with talent and a QB that isn't afraid to let it go  The game is at Wesleyan....they win 30-12.

[Charlie]

If wesleyan wins there destiny is in the front of them. Don't sleep on Tufts they need this game just as bad. Loser of this game because of NESCAC rules virtually means out of the Championship race. I think this year more than any other scheduling hurts some of these teams. Sometimes wish scheduling should have the games first part of season and hard teams second part so the teams threatening for championship get some games under there belt

[Scoops]

I think it's interesting that you choose to point out the Tufts defense here, when the offense and special teams turned the ball over left and right. I, shockingly, didn't think their defense was bad at all and it kept them in the game despite being put in bad positions all game. As I've been saying, Berluti and their lack of playmakers with Richardson (and now Reece) gone, makes that offense not nearly as fearsome.

That said, let's not crown Wesleyan yet. This is more or less what they do. Every year they have a big win over a "top" team, but they also usually have a head scratching loss to a bottom tier team along the way.

And even more so, let's not pretend that Williams did anything special. They blew out a young Hamilton team at home. Pump the brakes on the Ephs as contenders until they play a middle of the pack team at least.

The only things to be gleaned from last weekend is that Trinity and Middlebury are still working out the kinks in their new rosters. Bates and Hamilton are still young and struggling to find their footing. Same old anemic Colby offense, but they have some positives on defense. Bowdoin is continuing their upward trend, but still has to learn to win the tough ones. Tufts, Williams, and Wesleyan still have to prove it. And Amherst is still an average unit.

The bottom line is that Wesleyan should and needs to beat Tufts. If they do then yes they should be one of top 3. If Tufts wins sadly unless other teams screw up this will be a disappointing season for Wesleyan. They need to beat Tufts its a must win. If they win only 2 teams stand in their way Trinity , Williams.

This game won't be close. Tufts had a hard time with Bowdoin, and their offense is Run Robbie Run, then short passes when you adapt. (Pretty anemic and he won't survive a long season with his amount of keeper runs off-tackle). Tufts didn't have a defensive adjustment to them, and Wesleyan is loaded with talent and a QB that isn't afraid to let it go  The game is at Wesleyan....they win 30-12.

[GroundandPound]

After Wesleyan's opening game performance, it is my opinion that anyone who thinks they should not be the favorite at this point to win a championship is posturing or did not see the game or film of the game.  Yes, I typically defer to the consistent greatness of Trinity, and maybe I will be wrong for putting Wesleyan at the top of the favorites to win the championship list now, but Wesleyan appears to be a very special team.  My prediction for OPOTY is Candido and Wilson. 

[Nescacman]

2024 Week 2 NESCACMAN Picks

Welcome to Week 2 in the NESCAC "in the league where they pay to play". This week features a game that should have league championship ramifications as the Wesleyan Cardinals host the Tufts Jumbo's under the lights on historic Andrus Field. The other interesting game to watch is the tilt between Middlebury and Bowdoin. The rest of the schedule is, frankly, not that interesting.

Hartford State College at University of Bates (Lewiston Campus):  Hartford State NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 4; UBates NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 10/Total Defense: 2. Hartford State will continue their domination of the C-B-B this week in Lewiston. Historically, the Bantams have had their way with the Kitties (27 game win streak going back to 1979) and this year should not be an exception. In recent years, Hartford State has consistently pounded UBates, both home and away. We do not expect the same level of destruction this year in Maine as UBates defense continues to improve and seems to be ahead of schedule compared to their offense. UBates will need to produce more offense than they did last week against the Lord Mammoths to have a shot at a win at home. Getting their number 1 play maker back this week, WR Sergio Beltran, would certainly help. On the Hartford State side of the ball, we expect the Bantams to try and get All-NESCAC RB Tyler Dinapoli going. Keys to Victory for Hartford State: Run the ball effectively. Put pressure on UB QB Colton Bosselait and force him to turn the ball over which he has been prone to do in the past. KTV for UBates: Protect the football. Play solid defense and hope to keep the game low scoring. Players to watch: QB Zander Zembrowski (HS), RB Tyler Dinapoli (HS), WR Sean Clapp (HS), QB Colton Bosselait (UB), RB Ryan Lynskey (UB). Game Summary: We do not expect the same level of destruction that we have seen in past years (HS won 52-7 last year in the Coop). We expect a closer game since the Kitties defense is a year older and a year better. Hartford State will get the win, but this one might be closer than expected.

Hartford State 31 UBates 7
Point Spread: Hartford State -24
Weather (courtesy of The Weather Channel): Cloudy. High of 69.

Amherst College at Hamilton College: Amherst NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 9/Total Defense: 1; Hamilton NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 10. This game will feature two of the weaker teams in the NESCAC. Seems to be the same old story for the Lord Mammoths, good defense and bad offense. Another year, another new quarterback for Amherst. Hamilton struggled in their first game against Williams. Hamilton gave up a lot of yards on the ground last week and will be looking to tighten up their defense this week. Reigning NESCAC Rookie of the Year QB Luke Kurzum leads the Continentals both through the air and on the ground. KTV for Amherst: We know they will try the run the ball and will probably have some success against the porous Hamilton run defense. The Amherst defense is the strength of the team and should be able to shut down a weak Cont offense. KTV for Hamilton: Need to generate some offense to eat some clock and keep their defense off the field (last in the NESCAC after one week in time of possession). Defense should better this week as they face a weaker offense in the Lord Mammoths. Players to watch: WR Owen Gaydos (AMH), LB Luke Harmon (AMH), QB Mason Morrow (AMH), QB Luke Kurzum (HAM), WR Chester Boynton (HAM). Game Summary: Unless you're actually playing in the game or are a very devoted parent, no reason to watch this one. We think this will be painful to watch. Someone must win. We're going to go with the Lord Mammoths on the road and they jump out to the 2-0 start.

Amherst 14 Hamilton 10
Point Spread: Amherst -3
Weather: Partly Cloudy. High of 77.

Williams College at Colby College: Williams NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 2/Total Defense: 4; Colby NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 7/Total Defense: 5. Williams will try to keep it going on the road in Waterville after a big week 1 win against the Continentals. We expect Colby to be more of a test for the Ephs in week 2. Colby's defense was impressive against Hartford State last week. Williams features a running game by committee as they try to stay healthier in 2024. Williams threw the ball well last week as QB Owen McHugh looks improved after his rookie campaign in 2023 throwing 5 TDs last week for the Ephs. Colby will need to be better on offense to have a shot at a win in their home opener. Williams FY LB Luke Mangini had a big first start. KTV for Williams: Continue to do  what worked when they won games in 2023 and what worked in game 1; run the ball well. Passing game needs to continue to improve and evolve. KTV for Colby: Offense must be better. On defense, stop the Ephs running game. Players to watch: QB Owen McHugh (WIL), LB Luke Mangini (WIL), RB Mario Fischetti (WIL), WR/DB Holden Gering (WIL), WR Jack Sawyer (COL), RB Keon Smart (COL), LB Julian Young (COL). Game Summary: For the first time since 2021, there is hope at Williams. As we have been saying, we think the Ephs are improved. This game is one that they must win. We expect a close, relatively low scoring game with the Ephs coming out on top.

Williams 17 Colby 14
Point Spread: Williams -3
Weather: Cloudy. High of 68.

Middlebury College at Bowdoin College: Middlebury NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 8/Total Defense: 10; Bowdoin NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 4/Total Defense: 8. Interesting game as two 0-1 teams look for their first win. Although no one likes to lose, one 0-1 team (Bowdoin) should be pleased by their performance in week 1 while the other team (Middlebury) is probably disgusted by their performance in week 1. The Polars defense was effective in week 1 containing Tufts QB Berlutti most of the day (0 TD passes, -3 yards rushing). The Bowdoin offense ran the ball well but needs to get better through the air. On the other sideline, Middlebury needs to put the Wesleyan game behind them and be ready to play in game 2. Very few bright spots for the Panthers. Bowdoin QB Robbie Long will need to pass the ball better than he did in Medford. KTV for Middlebury: Avoid the big play. Contain the running of QB Long. Give their QB more time to throw. KTV for Bowdoin: More balanced offense. Avoid turnovers. Get to the Middlebury QB. Players to watch: QB Brian Moran (MID), WR Patrick Jamin (MID), DL Tomas Kenary (MID), DT Dave Filias (MID), DB Rocco Stolla (MID), LB Koy Price (BOW), QB Robbie Long (BOW), RB Sean Ramos (BOW). Game Summary: Should be an exciting, interesting game. Very important game for both teams. Panthers have won the last 9 games in this series (going back to 2009) and that streak should continue. We expect a close game and the Panthers to squeak out the win on the road.

Middlebury 24 Bowdoin 21
Point Spread: Bowdoin -3
Weather: Cloudy. Low of 69.

NESCAC Game of the Week

Tufts University at Wesleyan University (7:00 PM start): Wesleyan NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 1/Total Defense: 6; Tufts NESCAC Ranks (2024): Total Offense: 3/Total Defense: 5. Our GOTW in features two of our top ranked teams. Lots at stake in this one as the winner will be in good shape in the race for the NESCAC title. Tufts is looking to jump out to 2-0 for the first time since 2018. Tufts will need to run the ball better in this game better than they did in week 1 against Bowdoin. Last week, Wesleyan's offensive line did an excellent job of protecting QB Niko Candido and opening holes to run the ball effectively. When Niko has time, he has several dynamic receivers to go to including Chase Wilson, who is coming off a big game last week. The Cardinal defense, led by their front 7, will need to put some pressure on Tufts leader and QB Michael Berlutti to help their talented secondary. Tufts has playmakers in addition to Berlutti led by WR Cade Moore. Wesleyan will be looking to avenge their thrashing last year in Medford. KTV for Tufts: Give Berlutti time to throw. Put pressure on the Wes QB. Avoid the big play and protect the football at all costs. KTV for Wesleyan: Continue to protect their QB. Stop Michael Berlutti who can pass and run and make someone else try to beat you. On offense, continue to do what worked against Middlebury. Players to watch: QB Niko Candido (WES), WR Chase Wilson (WES), LB Jake Edwards (WES), DB Dylan Connors (WES), DB Wesley Abraham (WES), QB Michael Berlutti (TUF), WR Cade Moore (TUF), RB Christian Shapiro (TUF). Game Summary: Wesleyan's defense looked very strong last week plus has one of the most explosive players in the league, not named Berlutti, in Chase Wilson. Wes O-line will need to continue to be good. Tufts needs to play error free football to keep this game close on the grass on historic Andrus Field in front of a large, partisan Wesleyan crowd. We expect another competitive, hard-fought game, as these games have tended to be (6 of the last 7 games have been decided by one score) but we like Wes to pull the win in a close one at home.

Wesleyan 24 Tufts 21
Point Spread: Wesleyan -3
Weather: Cloudy. Low of 54.

Good luck to all the student-athletes and coaches this Saturday!

NESCACMAN's Picks:
2024 Season: 4-1
2023 Season: 31-14
2022 Season: 31-14
2021 Season: 33-12
2020 Season: 0-0 (COVID)
2019 Season: 33-12
2018 Season: 36-9
2017 Season: 35-10
2016 Season: 32-8
2015 Season: 30-10
2014 Season: 30-10
2013 Season: 32-8
Career: 327-108 (.752 winning percentage)

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Follow NESCACMAN on X (aka Twitter) @realnescacman

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Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 2 featuring Tufts Head Coach Jay Civetti and Wesleyan QB Niko Candido available now.

Look for the podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

If you have questions, feedback, ideas or are a player or a coach and would like to appear on our show, please email us at: 9weeksnescac@gmail.com

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[Nescacman]

Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast

Episode 2 featuring Tufts Head Coach Jay Civetti and Wesleyan QB Niko Candido available now.

Look for the podcast on YouTube and Spotify.

If you have questions, feedback, ideas or are a player or a coach and would like to appear on our show, please email us at: 9weeksnescac@gmail.com

Follow us on X (aka Twitter): @nineweeksnescac
Follow us on Instagram: @nineweeksnescac
Facebook: Nine Weeks: A NESCAC Football Podcast (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/141Ru3gKgk/)
YouTube: 9 Weeks Nescac

[Charlie]

I am not ready to annoint Wesleyan yet as well I think they will win and essentially knock Tufts out of Championship running. I do not think Tufts will be able to run the table on Williams , Trinity & Middlebury.

However I think that Wesleyan as stated in prior posts always finds a way for a head scratching loss. After this week they have soft schedule til they play Williams. However that game will be at Wesleyan.I am wondering though if that does not hurt Wesleyan as that field is more conducive to a ground and pound game which best suits Williams

Anything is possible. I have a funny feeling there hiccup will be against Bowdoin away. Bowdoin beat Williams last year at home and seems to play better against teams that play more spread out and less physical. When they have to go toe to toe against more physical teams Bowdoin struggles. This along with the fact travel game could be in Bowdoins favor.

[nescac1]

What is going on at Tufts?  Utterly bizarre story:

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/41346671/12-tufts-lacrosse-players-diagnosed-rare-muscle-injury

[Pat Coleman]

Yikes. Something similar happened at Concordia Chicago in men's basketball a couple years ago:
https://www.d3hoops.com/notables/2023/01/concordia-chicago-athletic-training-staff-leaves

[lumbercat]

Lacrosse much less regulated than Football- seen some pretty crazy stuff in Lacrosse programs over the years.
NESCAC ADs are always leery of the "Helmet Sports" amid pressure from some Liberal Admins who would prefer to eliminate contact sports altogether.
I love both sports but sometimes things can get crazier in Hockey and Lacrosse than in Football.

[Ephmen]

What is going on at Tufts?  Utterly bizarre story:

https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/41346671/12-tufts-lacrosse-players-diagnosed-rare-muscle-injury

This was a problem when CrossFit was a big thing.  Hopefully they caught it relatively early.

[westcoastnescac]

I am not ready to annoint Wesleyan yet as well I think they will win and essentially knock Tufts out of Championship running. I do not think Tufts will be able to run the table on Williams , Trinity & Middlebury.

However I think that Wesleyan as stated in prior posts always finds a way for a head scratching loss. After this week they have soft schedule til they play Williams. However that game will be at Wesleyan.I am wondering though if that does not hurt Wesleyan as that field is more conducive to a ground and pound game which best suits Williams

Anything is possible. I have a funny feeling there hiccup will be against Bowdoin away. Bowdoin beat Williams last year at home and seems to play better against teams that play more spread out and less physical. When they have to go toe to toe against more physical teams Bowdoin struggles. This along with the fact travel game could be in Bowdoins favor.

Charlie this is completely wrong. Bowdoin had the second best rush defense in the league last year. If anything they struggle more against the spread than anything. Williams tried to play a physical brand last year and got shut out.

[nescac1]

Talk about how one play can change an entire game -- Gehring (who has been involved in a lot of action playing both ways) had the ball in his hands on Colby's first play of the half for an easy pick six, which would have effectively ended the game, but his eyes got a bit too wide and he bobbled it.  Then Colby had a huge drive for a TD, followed by a brilliantly executed onsides kick which definitely caught Williams off-guard, leading to another TD.  Colby missed an xp and failed to execute a two-point conversion, making the score 14-12. 

The teams have honestly looked pretty even so far as Williams caught some breaks to be up 14-0 in the first half.  Owen McHugh has been brilliant for Williams so far, and Julian Young has, unsurprisingly, been all over the field on defense for Colby. 

[nescac1]

Not a thing of beauty, but Williams hangs on by a thread as soph reserve safety Brady Carroll intercepts a pass in the end zone with 20 second left just when it seemed like Colby was going to pull this one out.  The Ephs dropped at least three interceptions in this game but held onto the one that mattered.  Definitely a tale of two halves for the Eph defense as they were extremely stout in the first half and extremely porous in the second half, especially through the air.  But a road win is a road win, and 2-0 is 2-0!

For Williams, Owen McHugh absolutely put the Ephs on his back. 16-18 for 192 yards and a TD, 70 yards rushing (51 taking out two sacks that were in no way his fault) for two TDs.  Time and again he kept Williams drives alive especially with his legs, and he really spread the ball around, completing passes to nine receivers. Just a brilliant all-around game for him, he looks like he's ready to be one of the best all-around QBs in the league this year. 

No one really stood out for an Eph defense that seemed to rotate a slew of guys in and out but nevertheless seemed very worn down after being on the field much of the second half.  The Ephs again played a lot of FYs on defense, with at least four seeing big minutes.  Ethan Scott as always pressured the QB a lot but seemed JUST a step shy of big plays in the second half as Colby was really using some quick hitting passing plays.  Williams will have to play a lot tougher on both defense and in terms of run blocking to have a shot against Trinity next week.  I thought Fischetti despite modest stats looked really good but he had very, very few holes to run through, and ran several times into the Julian Young bulldozer. 

I was pretty surprised down two TDs in the fourth quarter that Colby didn't go for it on 4th and 6th in Eph territory, when the Ephs defense seemed absolutely exhausted.  It almost worked out for them in the end, but still a strange decision.  I also thought Williams would go for it on 4th and 1 to put the game away late in the game considering how well the offense was moving the ball and how gassed the D seemed, but I understand the decision and it (barely) paid off in the end.   

Colby was mostly stout against the run but were killed time and again by big McHugh scrambles and lost a few receivers down the field in big situations.  Julian Young was everywhere and Romain had a big game as well.  They are very, very tough up front.  Offensively, Keon Smart had a big game for Colby, Eph fans will be glad to see him graduate, and the Colby receiver corps played really well, coming down with some VERY tough catches deep down the field.  Nye, Sawyer, and Ferrara are a nice unit with good size and Duncan used his height well in the end zone.  Credit to Drake who hung tough despite taking some big hits out there.

Colby is a hard luck 0-2 but I think will likely finish up with 3-4 wins this year. They certainly looked a lot better and far more physical than Hamilton.